An evening at Pitha Utshob 2012

Pitha Utshob, in the Washington DC metro area, has become one of the largest festivals for Bangladeshi community members for more than seven years.  Since it was first organized by the Bangladesh Center for Community Development, Inc. (BCCDI), it has become an annual extravaganza for hundreds of Bangladeshi descendants living in the greater Washington DC area who pleasantly rediscover themselves in a pure Bangladeshi traditional home-made cake (called pitha in Bengali) festivity right here, so far away from home.

From Bangla to Bangladesh

Monument of the Martyrs (শহীদ মিনার)

If language matters to the human kind, then one South-Asian country called “Bangladesh” is a living example of our time that shows the world how a country could proudly become independent through the path of language movement. Though Bangladesh became independent from Pakistan in 1971, the liberation war actually began 60 years ago when the then West Pakistan (now Pakistan) tried to impose “Urdu” as the only state language on the Bangla (Bengali) speaking community who had an overwhelming majority at that time. 

Beautiful Bangladesh: An Exclusive Video

Bangladesh has been promoted in this exclusive video presentation that shows its beautiful and panoramic landscape through the eyes of an explorer.  Visiting the land of the largest mangrove in the world situated in the southern part of Bangladesh, the longest sea-beach in Cox's Bazar and the historical sites is going to be a timeless journey to any explorer who loves nature and history. Bangladesh proudly brands the word "resiliency" in action where people have always fought and won against all the adversaries and have proudly prevailed. Visit Bangladesh to explore the real school of life through the following video!

Can foreign tourists help US economy?

The US tourism industry is seriously looking for foreign tourists to beef up its declined profit. Since 9/11, the federal government strengthened travel requirements, getting a temporary visitor visa remains a daunting and sometimes insurmountable hurdle. Now, the tourism industry has started campaign to persuade Congress to overhaul the State Department's tourist visa application process.

Vibrant Bangladesh Published

Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC has published its December edition of Vibrant Bangladesh, a monthly web journal. This month's 13 page long journal covers issues like political and foreign affairs, good governance, business and trade, digital Bangladesh, infrastructure development and sustainable development issues. 

Bangladesh as a rising IT Destination

Bangladesh is rising as an IT destination in Asia. It's IT sector is rapidly growing as 23 countries have already partnered with the IT companies in Bangladesh. Watch this video as Bangladesh is showing the potential to become the silicon valley of South Asia.

Families Living in Cars

The US news network CBS produced 60 minutes recently aired the other side of the American dreams where the homeless children of Florida have been forced to live in cars.  They're part of more than 16 millions of children who are living in abject poverty.  This heartbreaking story reflects the break down of our safety net that should have protected the most vulnerable population of our society. Why should our children pay the price when Washington, DC has been pretty busy with partisan bickering?

Please watch the full episode of the 60 Minutes:

Eat fish to protect your brain

Eat fish to protect your brain and body. The latest scientific study shows that baked or broiled fish at least once a week could help your brain and protect you from Alzheimer's disease.  If you're really thrilled, you may try some fish and seafood recipes from casa vernacion.

Are you ready for warmer weather?

As it appears, the globe is heading towards warmer weather. The latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reaffirms the reality of a warmer world that’s leading us to frequent extreme weather conditions.

Are you running for Presidential Election?

Have you ever thought of running for Presidential election?  If you’re serious enough, you may apply for the Presidential job, as the application  process for candidacy appears to be quite simple.  As of today, 278 individuals have registered their candidacies  with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Surprisingly, registering for Presidential job with the Federal Election Commission is much easier than applying for job at a fast food restaurant in Washington, DC for $8.25 minimum hourly wage. 

Kids and TV

As Television has become an inherent part of our life, parents should monitor kids habit of watching TV. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in its recent policy statement says 'children under 2 should avoid watching television'. TV viewing may lead to sleep problems and a delayed use of speech in young kids, recent research suggests.

Pankouri is back!

Great Falls, Virginia

Pankori is back again!  We apologize to our readers as we've not updated pankouri for the last few months. We're going to publish new postings soon. Thanks!

Cherry Blossom 2011

National Book Festival 2011

National Book Festival 2010

Mark your calendar for the National Book Festival 2011 at the national mall on September 24.  The good news came from the Library of Congress, the event organizer, that the event would be extended for 2 days.  Last year, around 150,000 people attended the one day event at the mall. The expansion was made possible by a gift from financier and philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, who donated $5 million over five years for the festival.

US much behind the parental leave

The new report from the Human Rights Watch about the parental leave in the United States shows it's much behind than any other western counter part. The report, "Failing its Families," says at least 178 countries have national laws guaranteeing paid leave for new mothers, while the handful of exceptions include the U.S., Swaziland and Papua New Guinea. More than 50 nations, including most Western countries, also guarantee paid leave for new fathers.

পানকৌড়ির গল্প: ০০১

Meddah (The Story Teller)

পানকৌড়ির গল্প কিছু কাল্পনিক চরিত্র ও ঘটনার সন্নিবেশ। অবসরে কী বোর্ডের উপর আলতো হাতে ফুটিয়ে তোলার চেস্টা কিছু শব্দচিত্রের নির্মাণ যা খুব অজান্তে হৃদয়কে স্পর্শ করে। জীবন নদীর মতো প্রবাহমান। সময়ের সকল ব্যবধানকে অতিক্রম করে তার মাঝে বেঁচে থাকে খন্ড খন্ড গল্পগুচ্ছ। কিছু গল্প চলে আমাদের আলাপনে। কিছু গল্প আমরা বয়ে বেড়াই অদ্ভুত এক বোঝার মতো। আমাদের গল্পগুলো তার চরিত্রে আর প্রকাশে এক অনন্য আনন্দ বেদনার কাব্য। পানকৌড়ির গল্প শুরু হলো তুরস্কের মেদ্দার (গল্প বলিয়ে'র) অবলম্বনে। মেদ্দারা ভ্রাম্যমান গল্পকার যারা কফি হাউজের সামনে লোকজন জড়ো করে গল্প শুনাতেন যার মধ্যে থাকত অনেক নীতিকথা। তাহলে শুরু হোক পানকৌড়ির গল্প। এতে নীতিকথা তেমন না থাকলেও জীবনের বিচিত্র কথামালা নীরবে ঠাঁই নেবে।

What happened on February 14th in Bangladesh?

Like every other year, February 14th is being celebrated as Valentine's Day in Bangladesh. As the celebration continues, have we once remembered the day February 14th? Today in 1983, all the student fronts in Bangladesh came out from their campuses to protest the military dictator Ershad's autocratic rule and infamous Majid Khan's education policy. Let's read some excerpts from a few bloggers who have reminded us how shamelessly we've forgotten February 14th? One of the saddest days of our recent history has been silently replaced by Valentine's Day's "World Love Day". Long live our memory resembling a gold fish!

It's not Spring yet, It's Bosonto

Spring in Washington DC has not come yet, it won't until March 20th, at least officially. But Bangladeshis all over the globe have started joyously celebrating the arrival of spring as the the first day of the Bangla month Falgun arrives on February 13th. They're singing: "Whether birds are singing or not, flowers are bloomed or not, today is spring". Let's welcome Spring "the queen of seasons" when nature graciously blesses our lives with blooms and festivities.

Why do you use Turmeric?

Turmeric (in Bangla হলুদ), a must ingredient for South Asian culinary, is proving its power as medication. So, next time when you use it, don't think for its color, think about its secret power that may treat patients after stroke. You're not convinced yet!

BBC reports, "A drug derived from the curry spice turmeric may be able to help the body repair some of the damage caused in the immediate aftermath of a stroke".

NIH says: Turmeric May hold answers to Bone-Protective Effects (September 2010), Alzheimer's Disease (July 2009)and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms.

Don't forget about turmeric if you're seriously considering liver cleansing and weight loss!

It's just a beginning for Egypt



Photo Credit: The Washington Post

After 18 days of protest, victory finally came for the Egyptian protestors. Hosni Mubarak's autocratic regime has been over as he fled Cairo after 30 years' iron rule. Egyptians are celebrating freedom as they're hoping to begin a new chapter of democracy. They've won the path for "a clean start" (BBC News) towards democracy, but their destination is still far away.  The Washington Post suggests, "...the best way forward is to institutionalize the dialogue taking place today and convert it into a national conference or round- table negotiation between state institutions, youths, the political forces and independent national figures."